3 Best Orient Watches

When it comes to affordable, high-quality timepieces, Orient Watches stands out as a distinguished brand among watch enthusiasts and collectors. Established in 1950, Orient has carved a niche for itself by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. This Japanese watchmaker is celebrated for its robust mechanical movements and timeless designs that cater to both casual wearers and serious horologists.

Orient’s journey began in Tokyo just like Seiko’s, where it quickly gained a reputation for producing reliable and stylish watches at accessible prices. Over the decades, the brand has maintained its commitment to excellence, earning accolades and a loyal global following. Today, Orient is synonymous with value-driven, high-performing watches that often rival more expensive counterparts in terms of quality and durability.

According to Worn & Wound, a leading authority in the watch community, Orient’s dedication to mechanical movements sets it apart from many competitors who rely heavily on quartz technology. Their in-house calibers are celebrated for their precision and reliability, making Orient a favorite among those who appreciate the art of watchmaking.

Moreover, Hodinkee, another prestigious name in the world of horology, praises Orient for its “unparalleled value proposition.” This endorsement highlights the brand’s ability to deliver exceptional quality at a fraction of the cost of luxury brands, without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

In this blog post, we delve into three of Orient’s most popular models: the Orient Mako III, Orient Kamasu, and Orient Bambino. Each of these watches showcases the brand’s unique blend of heritage, innovation, and design prowess, making them standout choices for anyone looking to invest in a reliable and stylish timepiece.

As we explore these models, we’ll provide detailed insights into their features, performance, and what makes them exemplary representations of Orient’s enduring legacy in watchmaking. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of watches, the Orient Mako III, Kamasu, and Bambino offer something special for every wrist.

Orient Mako III

The Orient Mako III Blue is a standout model and one of the best Orient watches for diving, offering exceptional features typically found in higher-end timepieces. Priced at around $300, this watch combines quality, style, and functionality, making it an unbeatable value proposition for watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.

One of the most notable features of the Orient Mako III Blue is its sapphire crystal. Sapphire crystal is renowned for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, ensuring that the watch face remains clear and pristine over time. This premium feature is rarely seen in watches within this price range, making the Mako III a top contender in terms of durability and longevity.

The Orient Mako III Blue is built for adventure, boasting an impressive water resistance rating of 20 bar (200 meters). This level of water resistance makes it suitable for a variety of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and even recreational diving. Whether you’re exploring the depths of the ocean or just enjoying a day at the pool, the Mako III is designed to withstand the elements.

The aesthetic appeal of the Mako III Blue is undeniable, thanks in large part to its striking gradient bezel. The bezel features a stunning transition from a light blue to a dark blue and black color, adding depth and dimension to the watch’s overall design. This eye-catching feature not only enhances the watch’s visual appeal but also serves a functional purpose for divers, with clear markings for tracking elapsed time underwater.

The Mako III features Orient’s caliber F6922 automatic movement, an in-house movement renowned for its reliability and precision. This movement includes both hacking and hand-winding capabilities, allowing for more precise time-setting and added convenience for the wearer. The mechanical heart of the Mako III ensures accurate timekeeping and a smooth, sweeping second hand, a hallmark of quality automatic watches.

This watch measures just under 42mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug distance of just under 47mm, a 22mm lug width, and a thickness of just under 13mm. These dimensions make the Mako III slightly smaller than the Speedmaster Pro, ensuring it wears comfortably on a 6.75” wrist. Its balanced proportions and thoughtful design make it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes and styles.

The case features a 60-click unidirectional bezel with satisfying action and practically no play, enhancing the watch’s functionality and durability. The screw-down crown further ensures its 200-meter water resistance, making it reliable for underwater use. The AR coating, though light, along with the matte blue dial and large, applied indices, ensures excellent legibility. The lume is decent, with brightness on par with the Sinn 556i, and the larger Arabic numerals at 6, 9, and 12 make it easy to read in the dark after a quick charge.

While the stock bracelet might feel like a weak spot, it is still usable with its 4 micro-adjusts. Many users prefer to swap it out for a silicone strap, enhancing comfort and style. The Mako III’s versatile design allows for various strap options, catering to personal preferences and different occasions.

Pros

• Sapphire Crystal. The sapphire crystal ensures the watch face remains clear and pristine, providing superior scratch resistance compared to other materials. This feature is rare in watches within this price range, making the Mako III stand out for its durability.
• 20 Bar Water Resistance. With a water resistance rating of 20 bar (200 meters), the Mako III is suitable for a wide range of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. This level of water resistance makes it reliable for underwater adventures and everyday wear.
• Automatic Movement. The Mako III features Orient’s in-house caliber F6922 automatic movement, known for its reliability and precision. It includes hacking and hand-winding capabilities, offering more precise time-setting and added convenience for the wearer. The smooth, sweeping second hand is a hallmark of quality automatic watches.

Cons

• Light AR Coating: While the matte blue dial and large, applied indices generally ensure good legibility, the anti-reflective (AR) coating is minimal. This can occasionally affect visibility in certain lighting conditions, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight.
• Weak Bracelet. Users often mention the bracelet as the primary drawback of the Mako III. For example, a review on Watchuseek points out that the bracelet feels like a weak spot in an otherwise solid watch, prompting many to replace it with aftermarket straps.
• Crown and Bezel Issues. Another common critique involves the crown and bezel action. Some users on forums like Reddit report minor issues with the screw-down crown feeling a bit stiff or the bezel having a slightly inconsistent click action.
• Lume Performance. While the lume is generally decent, a few reviewers note that it doesn’t last as long as they would prefer, especially compared to higher-end dive watches.

The Orient Mako III Blue is a remarkable watch that offers an array of premium features at an affordable price point. Its sapphire crystal, 20 bar water resistance, gradient bezel design, and dual date and day indicators make it a versatile and reliable choice for both everyday wear and aquatic adventures. For those seeking a high-quality diving watch without breaking the bank, the Orient Mako III Blue is an excellent investment.

Orient Bambino

The Orient Bambino series has become synonymous with timeless elegance and exceptional value in the world of dress watches. With its compact 38mm design, mineral crystal, and a plethora of variations, the Bambino stands out as a must-have for anyone seeking a refined yet affordable timepiece.

The Orient Bambino is one of the best price Orient watches that features a domed mineral crystal, which gives it a distinctive vintage appeal. While mineral glass is more prone to scratches compared to sapphire, it is well-suited for a dress watch that typically encounters less wear and tear. The domed crystal adds to the watch’s classic aesthetic, making it a perfect accessory for formal occasions.

With a 38mm case diameter, the Orient Bambino is designed to sit comfortably on the wrist without being overly bulky. Its small, elegant design makes it ideal for those who prefer a more understated and refined look. The slim profile further enhances its suitability as a dress watch, easily slipping under a shirt cuff for a seamless appearance.

The Bambino series offers numerous variations to cater to different tastes and styles. Whether you prefer different dial colors, subdials, hand colors, types of numbers, open-heart designs, or strap colors, there is a Bambino to suit your preference. This extensive range of options ensures that you can find a Bambino that perfectly complements your wardrobe and personal style.

The watch has a modest 30-meter water resistance. This level of water resistance is sufficient for activities like washing hands or being caught in light rain, but it’s not recommended for swimming or submersion. The mineral crystal, while not as scratch-resistant as sapphire, is generally not a significant issue for a dress watch.

Mechanical watches, including the Bambino, require periodic servicing. However, many users find that the value of the Bambino outweighs the potential cost of maintenance. The reliable movement in these watches often runs smoothly for many years without service, making them an excellent investment.

Owners of the Orient Bambino frequently praise its aesthetic appeal and versatility. The watch’s classic design and range of variations make it suitable for both office settings and social occasions. Many users also highlight the value for money, noting that the Bambino collection offers exceptional quality at an affordable price.

Pros

1. Classic and Elegant Design. The 38mm case diameter and slim profile give the Bambino a timeless and sophisticated look, perfect for formal occasions and everyday wear.
2. Versatile Variations. The Bambino series offers numerous variations, including different dial colors, subdials, hand colors, types of numbers, open-heart designs, and strap colors, ensuring there’s a model for every style preference.
3. Affordable Luxury. Priced around $250, the Bambino provides exceptional value for money, offering high-quality craftsmanship and reliable performance without breaking the bank.
4. Comfortable Wear. The compact 38mm size and elegant design make the Bambino comfortable to wear, fitting well on various wrist sizes and slipping easily under a shirt cuff.

Cons

1. Mineral Crystal. While the domed mineral crystal adds to the watch’s vintage appeal, it is more prone to scratches compared to sapphire crystal. Users need to be mindful of this when wearing the watch.
2. Modest Water Resistance. With a 30-meter water resistance rating, the Bambino is only suitable for washing hands or light rain. It is not designed for swimming or other water activities.
3. Periodic Maintenance. Like all mechanical watches, the Bambino requires periodic servicing. While this is a common aspect of mechanical watches, the cost of servicing can sometimes be a consideration for those who want to maintain its longevity.

The Orient Bambino is a quintessential dress watch that combines classic elegance with exceptional value. Its mineral crystal, 38mm case, and numerous variations make it a versatile and stylish choice for any occasion. Despite its modest water resistance and the need for occasional maintenance, the Bambino’s aesthetic appeal and reliable performance make it a standout timepiece in the affordable dress watch category.

Orient Kamasu

The Orient Kamasu is a shining example of why Orient remains a favorite among watch enthusiasts seeking high-quality, affordable timepieces. Priced at around $300, this watch combines robust features, elegant design, and outstanding reliability, making it an excellent choice for both new collectors and seasoned horologists.

One of the standout features of the Orient Kamasu is its sapphire crystal. Renowned for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, sapphire crystal ensures that the watch face remains clear and pristine over time. This premium feature is seldom found in watches at this price point, making the Kamasu an exceptional value.

The Orient Kamasu is one of the best Orient watches that boasts an impressive water resistance rating of 20 bar (200 meters). This makes it suitable for a variety of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. Whether you’re navigating the depths of the ocean or simply enjoying a day by the pool, the Kamasu is designed to withstand the elements and keep ticking accurately.

The aesthetic appeal of the Kamasu in blue is enhanced by its striking gradient dial, which transitions beautifully from blue to dark green. This unique color scheme adds depth and character to the watch, making it a true visual delight. The dial’s intricate design is complemented by the large, legible markers and hands, ensuring excellent readability.

Functionality is at the heart of the Orient Kamasu s design. The watch features both a date and day indicator, conveniently located at the 3 o’clock position. This practical feature ensures that you stay on top of your schedule, adding to the watch’s everyday usability.

The build quality seems reliable, especially given its reasonable price. The beautiful dial still catches an eye every now and then. While the stock bracelet looks good, it does rattle a bit, but the brushing is nice and the lume is bright enough which makes it suitable for diving with it. Despite some criticism about the non-anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal, it hasn’t bothered me at all. The overall look and feel of the watch will exceed your expectations.

Pros

• Sapphire Crystal. Provides exceptional scratch resistance and durability, ensuring a long-lasting, pristine watch face.
• 20 Bar Water Resistance. Suitable for various water activities, making it a versatile choice for both everyday wear and aquatic adventures.
• Automatic Movement. Reliable in-house movement with precise timekeeping and smooth, sweeping second hand.

Cons

• Mediocre Bracelet. The stock bracelet has been noted to rattle slightly and may not match the overall build quality of the watch. Many users prefer to swap it out for a higher-quality strap.
• Minimal AR Coating. While the lack of anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal has been criticized, it does not significantly impact readability for most users.

It may not be the most expensive watch, but it’s an excellent start for a student. The Orient Kamasu offers exceptional value with its sapphire crystal, 20 bar water resistance, and striking gradient dial. Despite minor drawbacks like the stock bracelet and minimal AR coating, it remains a highly regarded timepiece. Its blend of reliability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal makes it an excellent investment for anyone looking to add a quality automatic watch to their collection.

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Orient has made a significant mark with its diverse lineup, offering timepieces that cater to various tastes and needs. The Orient Mako III, Kamasu, and Bambino each represent a distinct facet of Orient’s craftsmanship and design philosophy.

The Orient Bambino has earned its place as a cult favorite among watch enthusiasts, celebrated for its classic design and elegant aesthetics. Its 38mm case and various design options make it a versatile dress watch, suitable for both formal and everyday wear. However, its modest 30-meter water resistance and mineral crystal—which is more prone to scratches—might limit its practicality for some users. The Bambino excels in style but lacks the high-end technical characteristics found in Orient’s dive watches.

On the other hand, the Orient Kamasu and Mako III offer a blend of versatility and robust technical features that make them stand out. The Kamasu, with its striking gradient dial and 20-bar water resistance, provides excellent functionality for aquatic activities while maintaining a stylish appearance. Meanwhile, the Mako III boasts similar water resistance and the added benefit of a sapphire crystal, which enhances its durability and scratch resistance.

Given their superior technical specifications and versatile designs, I would personally lean towards the Kamasu or, even more so, the Mako III. These models offer a perfect balance of functionality, durability, and style, making them ideal for both everyday wear and more demanding situations. The high water resistance and sapphire crystal of these watches make them more suitable for an active lifestyle, compared to the more delicate Bambino.

In summary, while the Orient Bambino remains a beloved choice for its classic charm, the Kamasu and Mako III present a more comprehensive package of technical excellence and versatility. For those seeking a reliable and versatile timepiece that combines style with robust features, the Kamasu and Mako III are the clear frontrunners.